What is the Acidity Level of Mangoes?
Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit enjoyed around the world. Bright orange-yellow in color with a sweet yet tart taste, mangoes are nutritious as well as tasty. But some people wonder - are mangoes acidic?
The answer is yes, mangoes do have acidic properties. However, mangoes are not as highly acidic as some other fruits like lemons or limes. The pH level of mangoes ranges from around 3.3 to 6.4, making them mildly acidic to low acidic on the pH scale.
Understanding pH Levels
pH stands for "potential hydrogen" and is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in a substance. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower pH numbers being more acidic and higher pH numbers being more alkaline or basic.
A neutral pH, such as pure water, has a value of 7. Any pH below 7 is considered acidic, while any pH above 7 is alkaline. The closer a pH level gets to 0 or 14, the greater its acidity or alkalinity.
Mango pH Varies by Type
There are actually many different varieties of mangoes, and their pH levels can differ slightly depending on the specific cultivar. Some common mango varieties include:
- Ataulfo - pH of 5.2
- Tommy Atkins - pH of 3.8
- Keitt - pH of 3.7
- Kent - pH of 5.2
- Haden - pH of 4.2
As you can see, Tommy Atkins, Keitt, and Haden mangoes tend to be the most acidic, with a pH below 4.5. By contrast, Ataulfo and Kent mangoes have a higher pH around 5.2, making them less acidic.
What Makes Mangoes Acidic
All fruits contain organic acids, which give them tart and tangy flavors. Mangoes have high levels of certain acids that contribute to their acidic pH.
Citric and Malic Acid
The predominant acids found in mangoes are citric acid and malic acid. Citric acid is found in high amounts in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, while malic acid is most abundant in apples.
Both of these acids have a tart, sour taste. The combination of citric and malic acids is responsible for the sweet yet slightly sour tropical flavor of mangoes.
Ascorbic Acid
Mangoes also contain high levels of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for immune function, skin health, iron absorption, and tissue repair.
While vitamin C offers many health benefits, it is also acidic. The ascorbic acid in mangoes contributes to their low pH level.
Benefits of Mango Acidity
While the acidic pH of mangoes gives them some tartness, it also provides some important health benefits.
Supports Digestion
The acids in mangoes act as digestive enzymes that help break down food for better absorption of nutrients. Specifically, the malic acid in mangoes aids in the breakdown of dietary proteins.
The digestion-promoting effects of mango acidity help prevent issues like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
Boosts Immunity
In addition to supporting digestive health, the vitamin C content of mangoes helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that protects cells against damage from free radicals.
Getting enough vitamin C, whether from mangoes or other fruit, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress to keep your immune defenses strong.
Promotes Heart Health
The combination of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients in mangoes supports cardiovascular function. Mangoes have been shown in some studies to help lower unhealthy cholesterol levels as well.
This can lead to reductions in heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Selecting Less Acidic Mangoes
If you enjoy mangoes but find some varieties too acidic for your taste, select mangoes with a higher pH level. For example, Alphonso and Kesar mangoes both have a relatively low acidity with a more sweet taste.
Riper, yellow-orange mangoes also tend to be less tart than green unripe mangoes. Allowing mangoes to fully ripen can mellow out some of their acidic kick.
Other Tips for Lower Acidity
In addition to choosing naturally low-acid mango types, there are a few other ways to reduce excessive tartness:
- Add mango to smoothies with milk or yogurt
- Top mango salsa with lime juice instead of vinegar
- Serve mango chutney with creamy coconut rice
- Mix fresh mango into neutral oatmeal or cottage cheese
Combining mangoes with protein, calcium-rich foods, or alkaline ingredients can help neutralize some of their acidity for better tolerance.
Are Mangoes Considered High or Low Acid?
Ultimately, whether mangoes have high or low acidity is subjective. Compared to extremely tart berries or citrus fruits, mangoes typically do not taste very acidic or sour.
However, mangoes are definitely on the acidic end of the spectrum compared to fruits like bananas, watermelon, figs, and dates, which have a neutral or even alkaline pH.
So while mangoes are not as highly acidic as lemons, their pH and organic acid content does give them a moderately tart, sour quality.
Acidity Varies Among Mango Types
Again, keep in mind there can be variation in acidity among different types of mangoes. Certain mango cultivars like Keitt, Atualfo, and Kent tend to be less sour than Tommy Atkins or Haden varieties.
Ripeness is a factor as well, with fully ripened mangoes exhibiting lower acidity than unripe, green fruit. Preparation methods like mixing mangoes with creamy or alkaline ingredients can also neutralize some of their acidic tang.
Potential Digestive Effects
Due to their acidic pH, some people may wonder if mangoes trigger digestive issues like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For most people, mangoes are unlikely to cause problems.
In fact, the vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial enzymes in mangoes actually support healthy digestion. The malic acid and fiber in mangoes, in particular, help improve regularity and prevent constipation.
Issues in Sensitive Individuals
However, individuals with chronic digestive conditions like gastric reflux disease or ulcerative colitis may experience discomfort when eating acidic fruits. The organic acids can aggravate an already sensitive gastrointestinal tract.
Those with oral sensitivities may also notice irritation from acidic foods and beverages. If you have issues with acid reflux, IBS, canker sores, or other oral/digestive problems, discuss mango consumption with your healthcare provider.
Mangoes Offer Many Health Benefits
Despite their acidic pH, mangoes are an incredibly healthy, nutritious fruit full of beneficial compounds like antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Mangoes offer many advantages for digestion, immunity, heart health, skin health, and more.
Select less acidic mango varieties when possible and combine mangoes with neutral or alkaline foods to help temper their tartness. Work with a nutrition professional if you have any concerns about mango consumption and pre-existing medical conditions.
Overall mangoes are a tasty, versatile and very healthy fruit that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet by most people.
FAQs
Are all mangoes acidic?
Yes, all mangoes contain organic acids like citric, malic, and ascorbic acid that give them an acidic pH typically between 3.3 and 6.4. However, acidity levels can vary among different mango cultivars, with some being more sour and others relatively sweet.
Do ripe mangoes have less acid?
Yes, ripe mangoes tend to be less acidic than unripe green mangoes. As mangoes ripen, their starch converts to sugar which helps mellow out some of their tart, sour qualities.
Can mangoes cause acid reflux?
For most people, mangoes are unlikely to cause acid reflux or digestive upset. In fact, mangoes contain beneficial compounds that support healthy digestion. However, people with chronic acid reflux or gastrointestinal sensitivities may experience discomfort from mango acidity.
What is the least acidic mango?
Some less acidic mango varieties include Ataulfo, Kent, and Alphonso. Riper mangoes also tend to be less tart in flavor. Combining mangoes with creamy, alkaline ingredients can further help neutralize excess acidity.
Why are mangoes acidic?
Mangoes contain high concentrations of citric acid, malic acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which are responsible for their sweet-tart tropical flavor. These organic acids give mangoes their acidic pH level on the pH scale.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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